Robert Eli Sanchez

Robert Eli Sanchez is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Occidental College in Los Angeles, CA, where he serves as Department Chair. He also holds a position as Visiting Associate Professor at UCLA (2024). His academic journey includes previous appointments as Assistant Professor at Mount Saint Mary's University (2015-2020), Resident Scholar at UC MEXUS (2014-2015), and Visiting Assistant Professor at The College of William & Mary (2009-2014).

Sanchez earned his B.A. from Pitzer College, followed by his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of California, Riverside in 2012. His doctoral dissertation was titled "The Virtues of Silence: An Ethical Reading of Socrates, Kierkegaard, and Wittgenstein."

Specializing in Mexican/Latinx/Latin American philosophy, Sanchez's research focuses on Mexican existentialism and the philosophy of Mexican culture. He has significant expertise in Kierkegaard studies and explores intersections with the philosophy of race, the philosophy of food, and broader historical philosophical traditions. His work bridges academic philosophy with cultural studies, examining how philosophical traditions emerge from and respond to specific cultural contexts.

Sanchez's publications demonstrate a consistent focus on recovering and analyzing philosophical traditions from Mexico and Latin America. His collaborative work "Latin American and Latinx Philosophy" provides an accessible introduction to the field, while "Mexican Philosophy in the 20th Century" offers essential readings that highlight the richness of Mexican philosophical thought. His research shows particular strength in connecting historical philosophical movements with contemporary cultural and political issues.

As Department Chair at Occidental College, Sanchez oversees the Philosophy Department's academic programs and faculty. While specific details about his advising and grant activities are limited in the available information, his publications and editorial work suggest active engagement with students and colleagues in advancing the field of Latin American and Latinx philosophy.

Outside of his formal academic work, Sanchez maintains personal interests that reflect his philosophical inquiries, particularly in the philosophy of food. He specializes in baking bread and aspires to develop his piano skills in his "tercer edad" (third age).